What are the big green worms on my tomato plants?

As a tomato gardener, it can be disheartening to discover big green worms on your tomato plants. These worms can quickly devour plant leaves, fruit, and even entire plants if not addressed quickly. So, what are these big green worms, and how can you get rid of them?

Identifying the culprit

The big green worms you see on your tomato plants are likely tomato hornworms. These pests are the larval stage of the Carolina sphinx moth and can grow to be 5 inches long. They are characterized by their large, green bodies with white or yellow stripes running from their head to their tail. Adult Carolina sphinx moths are active at night in the summer months and lay their eggs on tomato plants, which hatch into the tomato hornworm larvae.

The damage they cause

Tomato hornworms can cause extensive damage to tomato plants. They feed on the leaves and stems of the plant, which can stunt or kill the plant if left unchecked. Furthermore, they can also bore into the tomato fruit, causing it to rot and become unsuitable for eating.

Getting rid of tomato hornworms

Thankfully, there are several ways to get rid of tomato hornworms on your tomato plants:

Handpicking: Tomato hornworms are visible to the naked eye, so you can remove them by simply picking them off your tomato plants. Be sure to wear gloves and dispose of the worms in a bucket of soapy water or squish them to ensure they do not return to your garden.

Natural predators: Certain birds and insects, such as parasitic wasps and green lacewings, feed on tomato hornworms. Encouraging these natural predators to your garden can help eliminate your tomato hornworm problem.

Diatomaceous earth: Sprinkling diatomaceous earth on your tomato plants can help keep tomato hornworms away. This powdery substance is abrasive and can cause damage to the pests' exoskeleton, and drying them out.

Bt spray: Bt (bacillus thuringiensis) is a naturally occurring bacteria that specifically targets tomato hornworms. Spray it on your tomato plants during the early stages of an infestation to kill the pests effectively.

Prevention methods

Preventing a tomato hornworm infestation is easier than dealing with it after the fact. Here are some preventative measures to take:

Rotate crops: Planting tomatoes in different spots each year can help avoid building up pests in the soil.

Cover plants: Cover your tomato plants with a floating row cover to prevent moth from laying their eggs on your plants.

Companion planting: Planting certain plants such as marigolds, basil, and mint around your tomatoes can help keep pests away due to their strong aroma.

In conclusion, tomato hornworms can be a severe threat to your tomato plants, but they can be controlled and prevented through handpicking, natural predators, diatomaceous earth, and Bt spray. Utilizing preventative measures such as crop rotation, plant covers, and companion planting can also help keep your garden pest-free. With these methods, you can ensure your tomato harvest is protected and healthy.